The new CCG-funded Smart Life Project aims to get volunteers to support vulnerable people in Essex using CCG-charity integration.
Launched by Age UK Essex, the pilot has been jointly funded by NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Essex County Council.
The new CCG-funded Smart Life Project aims to get volunteers to support vulnerable people in Essex using CCG-charity integration.
Launched by Age UK Essex, the pilot has been jointly funded by NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Essex County Council.
The project will initially run for a year and is currently working with four GP surgeries: The Limes in Epping; Lister Medical Centre in Harlow; Forest Practice in Loughton; and Thaxted surgery in Uttlesford.
SmartLife is available now and at no cost, to people registered at these four GP surgeries.
Clare Morris, chief officer at NHS West Essex CCG, said: "This project demonstrates health, care and community organisations working closely together to help people improve their wellbeing.
"We and our partners are now aiming to support people's health and social needs more collectively and being based at GP surgeries, this service is a positive step towards a more joined-up approach to wellbeing in west Essex."
A similar scheme was launched in Newquay in 2012, and during its first year non-emergency hospital admissions reduced by 30%, on-going social care package costs reduced by 5.7%, and 23% of people said their mental health had improved.
